Steps to Apply for an NIE USA from India

Due to COVID-19, the US had strict travel restrictions. Non-citizens needed NIE approval to enter. The ban was lifted on Nov 8, 2021, invalidating existing NIEs. However, the NIE program may still apply in certain cases. Let’s explore NIE details, requirements, and updates for travel. But before that, if you are planning to visit India from the USA, then you should grab cheap flight tickets to India from USA with Flyopedia.

What Is National Interest Exception?

After the US COVID-19 travel ban, certain exceptions were allowed, including the NIE program. The National Interest Exception lets individuals travel to the US if their entry is deemed important. Non-citizens needed to apply for an NIE visa, proving their entry was in the national interest. After official approval from the US consulate, they were exempt from the entry ban. Each application was reviewed individually. For those looking to head to India, they can book cheap business class tickets to India from USA with us.

Qualifying Criteria for a National Interest Exception

Some categories of individuals have been listed thus qualifying for a National Interest Exception while others have been listed as those who do not require an NIE. People who can apply for an NIE are those with valid US visas, ESTA travel permits and those who would be applying for a new visa for the United States. These NIE criteria apply to travellers coming from the Schengen Area and China, Brazil, India, Ireland, South Africa, and the UK.

Eligible Persons for an NIE

Individuals falling into the following categories were eligible to apply for an NIE:

• Those providing crucial support or executive direction to critical infrastructure.
• Those providing essential support or executive direction for economic activities in the US.
• Those travelling to the US due to humanitarian or medical emergencies.
• Students and their dependents travel to the US on F or M visas for full-time courses or on J visas for exchange programs as bona fide students.
• Individuals travelling to the US on J visas as Professors, Research Scholars, Short Term Scholars, or Specialists.
• Healthcare professionals combating the COVID-19 pandemic or working in the public health sector.
• Individuals working for US national security purposes.
• Journalists holding an I visa.
• Harvest workers.
• Service providers for US authorities, such as the military.
• Aircrew members/pilots travelling to the US for training, aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance purposes.

Essential infrastructure NIE types are available for:

1. Chemical
2. Commercial Facilities
3. Communications
4. Critical Manufacturing
5. Dams
6. Defense Industrial Base
7. Emergency Services
8. Energy
9. Financial
10. Food and Agriculture
11. Government Facilities
12. Healthcare and Public Health
13. Information Technology
14. Nuclear Reactors, Materials & Waste
15. Transportation Systems
16. Water

Those Who Didn’t Need An NIE

Individuals exempt from the US travel ban and not requiring an NIE visa include:

• US citizens
• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
• Family members (Spouse and Children under 21) of US citizens or Green Card Holders
• Crew members of airplanes and shipping businesses
• Individuals supporting US law enforcement objectives
• Diplomats, government personnel, and their families
• US Armed Force Members and their families

Where and How Do You Apply for an NIE?

To get a National Interest Exception (NIE) for the US, you applied to the US Consulate, whether you had a visa or were applying for one. The process differed slightly by consulate. You needed to show why your travel to the US was urgent and important. Here are the required documents:

Additionally, depending on the consulate, applicants were required to submit extra documents. The NIE application email for India to the USA included the following details:

1. Last Name
2. First Name
3. Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY format)
4. Place of Birth
5. Gender (M/F)
6. Country of Citizenship
7. Passport Number
8. Visa Number
9. Visa Category
10. Issuing Post Name
11. Travel Dates
12. Travel purpose
13. National interest category, with a clear justification for receiving an NIE

Cost and Validity of an NIE

There are no extra government fees for an NIE card application if you already have a valid US visa or ESTA permit. However, if you apply for an NIE as part of your US visa or ESTA application, you’ll need to pay the regular application fees without any additional charge for the NIE.

Once approved by the US Consulate, an NIE allows multiple entries into the US within 12 months from the approval date. For subsequent trips to the US, a new NIE card application must be submitted.

Conclusion

During the US travel ban, some people couldn’t travel directly to the US but could go to a country not under the ban for 14 days before heading to the US. However, certain individuals exempt from the ban didn’t need an NIE visa. The ban ended on November 8, 2021, nullifying NIE approvals. Now, all travellers entering the US must meet COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements. Yet, in special cases, individuals whose entry is of national interest can still use NIE to travel to the US without being vaccinated. Also, if you are searching for last minute flight tickets to India then you should visit Flyopedia ASAP!